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Let Cupid be your muse

My thoughts have turned to romance.

Perhaps it’s the oyster roast, a fund-raiser for the Partnership for Children, I attended recently at the Back Creek Farm of Keith and Jane Crisco.

A chilly autumn evening, leaves a’flame in plum, gold and orange, set the backdrop for the blazing fires, pleasant company … and those delicious steaming oysters, liberated from their shells with a knife, scooped out and smothered in Texas Pete, horseradish sauce or drawn butter.

Oysters, as you know, are considered aphrodisiacs.

(Hence, the thoughts of romance.)

Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexuality and love, aphrodisiacs are certain foods and drinks that have a reputation for hmmm … desire-inducing qualities. Asparagus, figs, almonds, bananas, basil, bananas, avocados, chocolate (of course) and garlic (really?) join oysters on the Top 10 list.

In actuality, Western medical studies have found scant evidence that the ugly little beasts or any of the others work, although they’re full of vitamins and minerals that enhance overall health. Still, the myth lives on. In the oyster’s case, maybe it’s the pearls. What woman doesn’t get goose-bumps when proffered jewelry by her suitor?

Not you?

OK, what makes your thoughts turn to love? What’s the most romantic thing your significant other has ever done that would make that oyster’s power to titillate pale in comparison?

I really want to know and not just for titillation purposes. I want your love stories for publication in The Courier-Tribune’s new magazine, Thrive: Life in Our Town and Beyond.

On Monday, our glossy, perfect-bound publication will make its debut — yes, we’re excited and hope you will be, too!

This issue was timed for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and as such is full of articles and photos geared to the holidays, food and fashion, arts and entertainment, travel and recreation, health and beauty, plus profiles on local people who epitomize the season’s spirit of giving.

For that issue, we also asked readers to write about their favorite Yule memories. The response was terrific, from the World War II vet who spent Christmas Eve 1944 under enemy fire to the young mother whose time in Germany was a “Silent Night” she will never forget, to tales of apple sauce cakes and fruitcakes and an off-the-wall Christmas that hinged on turning up the air conditioner.

We enjoyed their accounts so much, we decided to ask readers again to share their memories, this time of the romantic persuasion since our next issue coincides with Valentine’s Day and the point in the wedding season where brides-to-be are planning their spring and summer nuptials.

Let Cupid be your muse and share with us your favorite romantic memories — at least the ones suitable for a family publication! — so here’s some questions to get the creative juices flowing:

How did you meet your husband, wife or significant other?

How did your loved one propose?

What is the most romantic place you’ve ever been and why?

Did you do something unusual for your wedding or get married in an out-of-the-ordinary location?

What is the most loving act your significant other has done that showed he or she cared?

How about a gift that especially touched you with his or her thoughtfulness?

What was it that attracted you to your loved one? What made you say, “This is The One”?

In short, what is your favorite romantic memory?

Don’t be shy.

Write down the details and email them to me at ajordan@courier-tribune.com or drop them by The Courier-Tribune at 500 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC 27203. Include your name, telephone number and town of residence. Send accompanying photographs, where appropriate, and if you have any questions, call me at 626-6140.